ON THE MOVE - Saints will play Saracens in the Aviva Premiership at Stadium MK next April

Published:13:07Thursday 18 August 2016

Saints have announced they will once again play a home Aviva Premiership fixture in Milton Keynes.

The league clash against reigning English and European champions Saracens next April will be switched from Franklin’s Gardens to Stadium MK, with chief executive Allan Robson saying the move is a essential to boost the club’s income as the sport becomes increasingly competitive.

Saints chief executive Allan Robson

It will be the second time Saints have staged a Premiership game against Saracens across the county border in Buckinghamshire, with more than 27,000 attending that clash in April, 2015, with Saints winning 25-20.

With the likes of Bath, Saracens and Harlequins also switching Premiership games to larger venues this season, Robson says that it is an important option for clubs who are looking to grow sustainably.

“Our previous game against Saracens at Stadium MK showed that we’re capable of hosting a big occasion and filling a larger stadium with Saints supporters,” said Robson.

“The stands were packed with black, green and gold shirts that created a fantastic atmosphere.”

The Saints have been regular visitors to Stadium MK in recent years, staging their home European knockout matches at the venue, and Robson insists the club is not giving up any sort of home advantage by making the move to the home of Milton Keynes Dons, even though Saracens have also staged home matches at the ground.

“Stadium MK is a top venue and is a place where we’ve had some excellent results, not least that win over Saracens in 2015.

“The players and coaches are comfortable playing there and consider it a home-from-home.

“In an era where clubs are becoming increasingly competitive and the salary cap is being increased significantly, a 30,000 attendance at a game like this once a season generates a significant increase in revenue.

“This in turn helps us maintain our investment in the playing effort and improve our chances of bringing success to Northampton, and by bringing friends and family members to this game our season ticket holders can help us achieve this aim.”

The match is included in the Saints 2016/17 season ticket, and as on previous occasions Saints have played in Milton Keynes, the club’s season ticket holders will have the opportunity to book discounted additional tickets.

They will also be able to make the most of free coach travel between the Gardens and Stadium MK on match day, and to choose the area in which they would like to sit.

Full details will be sent to season ticket holders and published at www.northamptonsaints.co.uk/mk in due course.